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Motorists are unaware that they could face fines up to £1000 once new mobile phone legislation comes into force in the UK in little over a month's time.

Motoring organisation the RAC reckons that ignorance surrounding the new regulations is so bad that three million motorists could unwittingly break the law once the change comes into force.

From 1 December, it becomes illegal to hold a mobile phone while driving. Motorists wanting to use their mobile while driving will only be able to if they use hands-free kits that comply with the new law.

However, the RAC's research found that while almost everyone recognised that using a phone on the move would be illegal, 15 per cent thought that using an earpiece would be okay. But this isn't so.

What's more, one in 20 motorists said they would ignore the new law and carry on using their phone regardless.

An RAC spokesperson said in a statement: "Our research makes worrying reading and suggests that further explicit guidance is required to ensure that motorists know what they will face when the law changes in December.

"It's estimated that 500,000 motorists are on the phone in their cars at any one time. By our estimation, a good proportion of them - as many as 33 per cent - will deliberately or inadvertently continue to break the law when the use of hand-held phones is prohibited," she said.

Even if motorists decide to opt for a hands free kit, the RAC still suggests keeping calls on the move short and sweet. ®